La Sportiva Makalu Boot

The La Sportiva Makalu Boot is a classic leather boot for getting into the mountains. The full steel shank provides sturdy support during general mountaineering trips and heavy backpacking, so you can take on the changing terrain of the mountains. The 3mm Idro-Perwanger Roughout Leather is super durable and holds up to years of abuse while the Dry-Best® lining wicks sweat to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The burly Vibram rubber rand at the toe adds to durability so you can continue kicking steps into the snow. The boot even accepts automatic crampons for icier adventures. Complete with Skywalk® MPE outsole, you'll be gripping terrain easily with each forward step.

FEATURES of the La Sportiva Makalu Boot

MtnFlex insole and full steel shank for automatic crampon compatibility

These boots run true to size and are well worth the money. Initially, they are a bit stiff, but after ten miles of moderate terrain, they felt much more comfortable on my feet. The waterproofing works great too. Strong, quality construction, crampon capable, and a neutral color makes this my favorite boot that can be used for backpacking or light mountaineering.

Unfortunately, I have very high arches in my feet and have had surgeries on my feet which are making getting these boots broken in very difficult. Over time I will manage it, but it will take a longer time then I thought. Other then that, these boots are great, awesome climbers. Thanks for being out there and having wonderful products.....Jim McILROYACTON, CA.

I wear a 13H so it is very difficult to find a pair of high quality boots that fit right without custom ordering them and waiting up to 2 months to get them(I have had to do it several times in the past and it sucks every time.) These actually fit, no tight spots that the lacing wasn't able to handle. The locking lace is a very nice feature, as is the removable padded tongue piece. Another thing that has always annoyed me about buying boots is that i usually have to go and get a longer set of laces at purchase because they always seem to be just a little too short to fully lace. It shocked me enough that i actually commented on it to the salesman at the local shop. They aren't light, but they are there to support and protect your feet under rugged and adverse conditions in maximum possible comfort, and it does well in that. The full shank also means it will always be stiff, but not an issue. they aren't too difficult to adapt to if you aren't already used to full shank work boots.

Finding ice climbing crampon compatible mountaineering boots for women has been tough. None seem to fit right but I decided to take these home and try them out. I love the boot, it's weight and durability seemed like I could really kick some serious ice in them. However, even after an exchange, I just couldn't find the right fit. These boots didn't support my arch as much as I needed and were either too big or too small, even in the half sizes. Again, though, they are men's and I am most certainly not a man. I recommend for men but not worth the effort for the ladies. Back to the drawing board, I guess.

These boots are rock solid at a reasonable price. They are extremely comfortable even during the break-in period. The toe box can be a bit uncomfortable on steep descents for the first fifteen miles or so. Great product so far.

I bought a pair of these boots in November of 2008 and wore them through numerous adventures for 2.5 years. The rubber sole, toe rand and leather on the outer of these boots is terrifically durable. The shank makes these boots incredibly stiff, which takes some getting used to but also makes your footing feel really solid even on difficult terrain. The reason I can only give these boots a "Good Not Great" rating is that my heels wore through the liner at the back of both boots. The boots always felt like a good fit but being as stiff as they are, my heels would move a little as I'd step forward and push off of the toe. Over time lots of rubbing from my heels wore away the lined and padding. After wearing through the liner and padding, any time I'd wear these boots, I'd end up with bloody sores on the backs of my heels. Maybe I ought to be happy that they lasted for 2 years but when I look at how good they still look on the outside, it makes me sad.

I am a Journeyman Lineman in Mt. Shasta Ca. Bought these boots for work because I heard from other lineman how good they are for the work we do. I've climbed poles in many different boots and these are by far the most comfortable boot I've used, not only for climbing but for all other uses. I sometimes work for up to 48 hours straight in all types of weather and my feet rarely get tired or sore. I've climbed Mt. Shasta (14000 + feet) numerous times while its covered in snow and without. They handle crampons brilliantly and with a fresh coat of Nick wax they are impervious to the elements. On a recent family backpacking trip our two kids four and six carry their clothes, snacks and water so you guessed it dad becomes the pack mule. Needless to say the 73 pound pack over the six miles was heavy but I was very impressed with the stability of these boots. Overall I'd recommend them to anyone that wants to put them to the test.

This boot is stiff! The break in period took about a month and a half of constant wear, but once that was through these boots felt amazing. They're stiff, protective, and durable. Very durable. The outer boot is bombproof. The glue is holding, water stays out (for the most part), and, surprisingly, the sole hasn't worn down much. My only issue with these boots is the inner leather lining disintegrates! About two months into the season I had to get a piece of leather glued to the heel area because I'd worn all the way through the liner. After a season the inner lining on the cuff of the boot is completely gone!

I purchased a pair of these from Moosejaw about 10 years ago. They are not the current iteration but rather the ones sans rand and grey midsole. I have medium to almost wide feet so not ideal "La Sportiva" geometry. Break in was a ball buster but after a solid 2 months of daily wear I got to the point where I could wear them all day-11 hour work day-and not be in pain. Fast forward 10 years and they've almost completely broke in for me. The reason I like Sportiva is they are old school Italian made boots that last forever. Breaking any of them in is a chore for me but once the leather conforms to my feet there is nothing better footwear wise.

It's been 751 days since my 1st review. In that time we (the boots and I) have gone through break-in (which wasn't bad), several (6) ambitious climbs, and most (that means more than half) of the 2010 and 2011 school years (I’m a teacher), together. I have been smitten (that means rather happy) with these boots. As I said, "I have been..." (that's past tense and thus infers, I no longer feel this way). The problem, AS IT WAS WITH MY OTHER La Sportivas, the "Glacier", is that the lining of this boot has disintegrated! I talked to MJ and after an exhaustive (long) process where I sent my previous boots back, and never heard another word, nor had my boots returned...I’m just fed up!–LTM

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